A Sheffield United fan who clambered over seats to “posture” at Boro fans and punched a man outside the stadium has been banned from football matches for three years.

Andrew Gilmour arrived at Teesside Magistrates’ Court on Friday charged with causing public disorder during and after Middlesbrough’s home match against Sheffield United on August 12.

CCTV of Gilmour’s actions both inside and outside of the Riverside Stadium were shown to the court, which showed him clambering over seat dividers towards Boro fans. Video outside captured him punching a man.

A comment from a Cleveland Police officer, read to the court, said: “This is the most shocking incident I have seen in my nine years of service. This is what gives football supporters a bad name.”

The 28-year-old United fan pleaded guilty to a single charge of using threatening or abusive behaviour and words with intent to cause fear or provoke unlawful violence.

But the court a claim he’d been “provoked” after an assault by a Middlesbrough supporter.

Andrew Swaby, defending, said: “He has no previous record for football related matters. It is regrettable that he got himself involved. There had been a degree of posturing.

“Once outside he was the victim of an assault. Some items were thrown towards the Sheffield supporters.

“In frustration he’s lashed out - he regrets what he’s done. He had the good sense to not get involved for too long.

“It was a moment of madness that is out of character when he attends sporting events.

“For over 20 years he’s supported the club and during that time there’s never been any difficulties.”

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Mr Swaby then read the to the court a glowing character reference from one of Gilmour’s employees.

“He has a strong work ethic,” he said. “He has progressed quite significantly in the business to become a team leader responsible for four men.”

Prosecutor Rachael Dodsworth said it was not correct to say Gilmour had never been in trouble during football matches citing a caution for invading a pitch some years before.

Judge Helen Cousins said: “Mr Gilmour, there is a total dichotomy between the person I saw on CCTV - involved in not one, but two incidents - and the person the references tell me about. I’m told your work ethic is second-to-none.

“I’ve heard you have never shown any aggression - but I’ve got CCTV of you clambering over seats trying to get at fans then, once you’re outside, punching somebody in front of people.”